Medical Microbiology

The FRCPath examinations in Medical Microbiology will be drawn from the current curriculum approved by the College. The examination will be testing core knowledge in medical microbiology and, in particular, the scientific basis of microbiology and infection.

UK trainees in single or joint training programmes for Microbiology should refer to the information available on the Infection specialty page for information regarding their Part 1 examination.

Part 1

Medically qualified candidates are required to have trained in a recognised Regional Specialist Training Programme in microbiology or virology for a period of normally not less than 12 months.

Non-medically qualified candidates are required to have trained in a recognised training programme in microbiology for a period of normally not less than 12 months. In addition, they must be state registered, or the equivalent of state registered in another country.

Purpose

To act as early assessment of the trainee’s knowledge and understanding of the scientific basis of medical microbiology, virology and infectious diseases.

Format

Multiple-choice; 125 single best answer questions, designed to test both knowledge and understanding.

Curriculum

The examination will test core knowledge in medical microbiology/virology and in particular the scientific basis of virology/microbiology and infection. The medical microbiology and virology curriculum is available on the Training and Education section of the College website.